Hong Kong soul/R&B singer Khalil Fong's latest single, a remake of mando-pop queen Faye Wong's classic "Red Bean," can now be heard on the internet.

The new track takes on Khalil Fong's signature neo-soul flare, refreshingly different from the original ballad version.

It's the first release from Khalil Fong's upcoming "Reprise" album, which is scheduled to come out in August. As a tribute to his favorite classics, the album includes seven English tracks and three Chinese ones that Fong has listened to throughout his musical career.

Khalil Fong has made a name for himself in the mando-pop scene over the past few years with his highly distinctive R&B label. Born in the U.S state of Hawaii, he traces his musical roots to such influences as Steve Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Eric Clapton.

As opposed to the common over-night success of many mando-pop singers, Fong made his mark in the industry gradually, writing and producing music for many other established singers since the age of seventeen.

The singer/songwriter began to gain recognition from both music critics and listeners after the release of his debut album "Soul Boy" in 2005. With the accumulated success of his first three LPs, Fong's reputation exploded in 2008 with his fourth album "Orange Moon." This received five-star ratings from almost all mainstream media, and was highly recommended by many well known critics in 2008.

Fong has been nominated four times in this year's Golden Melody Awards - the most influential event in the mando pop scene. Nominations include Best Music Video, Best Composer, Best Music Arrangement, and most remarkably, the Best Male Mandarin Singer - a title coveted by heavyweight nominees Jay Chou, Leehom Wang and Eason Chan.

(CRI June 10, 2009)